"I moved to Dallas with my two small children to escape an abusive situation and for a fresh start for us. Before I came, I landed a job with Dallas county tax Office and moved here two days before I was supposed to start. Then, the day I was supposed to start my 6-week training downtown, I was informed they were shutting down government offices do to Covid-19 so all recruitment and hiring was stalled. I came to Dallas with just enough money for us to get a place and have a little money left over to survive until I got my first paycheck. I was terrified of what was going to happen to us until I decided to reach out to Catholic Charities. Literally the same day, I got a call from Catholic Charities and when they told me they were going to pay for two weeks in a hotel room for me and my kids so I didn't have to take the money I had saved and spend it, I was beyond relieved and grateful for their help because I would have really been in trouble had they not have stepped in.
They also gave me a referral to their food pantry. Now, me and my children are in our new home and Catholic Charities even gave me a referral to bedstart.org so me and my kids could get all the furniture we needed to make our house a home. Even more, they gave me gift cards so that I can purchase supplies, pots, pans, and other things. I couldn't be more grateful for what Catholic Charities has done for me and my family and it's because of their compassion and generosity that one day I will pay it forward and help someone who is in a position that I once was.
Thank you so much for everything, I will be forever appreciative of your support during one of the toughest times on our planet."